Arkansas sports memorabilia dealer and photo archivist John Rogers, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for fraud last December, is serving his prison sentence not far from home. Rogers is housed at the low security federal correctional institution in Forrest City, AR.
He won’t be eligible for release until April of 2028.
Federal prosecutors say the 45-year-old Rogers stole $23 million from banks and acquaintances through a series of Ponzi-like schemes. He also created several fake pieces of sports memorabilia in the scheme a judge called “breathtaking” in its scope.
Investigators found Rogers was involved in creating phony items even after his guilty plea last fall.
A few weeks ago, we told you about that John Wooden Purdue jersey from the 1930s that’s up for auction. The Lafayette Journal & Courier found the consignor who told the tale of his grandfather and the late UCLA coach. Their story is an extensive and very interesting piece.
Bidding has reached $13,000 and it’s expected to reach $30,000 or more by the close of the auction.
An interesting breakdown here by our own Anson Whaley at Pre-War Cards (online) Magazine on sales and population of the four T206 Ty Cobb cards.
Frozen Pond, the long-time hockey memorabilia outlet in the Toronto area, is celebrating its 25th year in business this Saturday with a party at their store. Along with giveaways and other surprises, the store is having several autograph signers including Mike Modano, Wendel Clark, Mark Howe, Bobby Baun, Red Kelly, Mike Krushelyyski, Dennis Maruk and others. They’re donating the proceeds from the autograph fees to the local Humane Society and Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation.
You can get more info here.
You can now own a pair of seats from Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The sale we told you about a few months ago is now underway as the old building gets stripped bare. The arena was home to the Detroit Red Wings and other sporting events for 38 years.
Season ticket holders get first pick but on May 12, the sale will open to the public. Seats will be sold in sets of two and start at $150 each.
Other Joe Louis Arena assets will be sold via an online auction at www.orbitbid.com and www.rlevyinc.com/sales this month, including furniture, lighting, signs and The Joe’s official scoreboard.
Related Stories:
Pal Pleads Guilty to Helping Rogers Scam Buyers with Phony Memorabilia
Ty Cobb Bat Given to Joe Sewell, Signed T206 Card from 1940s TTM Request Up for Bids
Long-Time Collector’s T206 Set Gets Solo Auction Spotlight
Notes: Kid’s 2004 LeBron Pull Now Worth a Small Fortune; New ’51 Topps-Style Set; Uzit Cobb a Hit
Vintage Cards, Topps Test Issues Among Wheatland Lots
Oxford Confectionery Ruth, Mantle Cards Among 768-Lot Wheatland Auction
Notes: Fanatics’ New Rules for Hobby Shops, Wembanyama Topps Now, John Rogers Saga Story; More
